the nfl case involves federal labor law. the amount of damages the nfl could face is staggering. "it could be billions of dollars." players contend the league fraudulently concealed the dangers of concussions. the league denies it, but since 2007 has offered players whose head injuries resulted in dementia $100,000 a year for ex- players hospital-bound or in assisted living centers, and $88,000 if living at home. so far, that payout has amounted to more than $18.5 million. if the federal court determines that the players claims should proceed, the nfl says it would need about six years to assess the viability of each player's case before trial. president obama is hoping to gain yardage on budget talks, minus drama. yesterday, the president met with business leaders at a roundtable event, and had this to say to the ceo's: "i recognize that all of you have an investment in your own company,ut notnly your own bottom lines, but in the well-being of america." at the same time, gop majority leaders including eric cantor met with small business owners. cantor blamed the president for be